MARGAO
Sao Jose de Areal secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Margao SC to book their spot in the semifinals of the Cavelossim Villagers UK Cup 2025, organized by the Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim and played at the Fr. Druston and Wellington Ground, Cavelossim.
In a tightly contested encounter, both teams created numerous scoring opportunities from the outset. Margao SC nearly took an early lead in the 4th minute when Presley Pinto delivered a dangerous corner kick that sailed across the Areal goalmouth—but no Margao player was on hand to convert.
Shortly after, Edgar Noronha came close to breaking the deadlock for Margao, but was thwarted by a crucial and well-timed tackle from Bersal Viegas, Areal’s dependable defender.
The breakthrough finally came late in the first half. A precise long ball from Clifford Soares found Priston Gomendes, who squared it to Ashney Gomes. Gomes struck a powerful first-time shot that rattled the crossbar and deflected into the net, leaving Margao goalkeeper Glen Fernandes helpless. Areal went into halftime with a 1–0 lead.
Margao pushed forward in search of an equalizer after the break. Presley Pinto attempted a long-range effort, but Areal’s goalkeeper Denzi Oliveira was alert, punching the ball over the bar with a fine save.
Referee Rohan Pereira maintained good control of the game, issuing yellow cards to Myron Fernandes and Edgar Noronha for rough challenges.
In injury time, Margao were awarded a free kick at the edge of the penalty box—a last chance to level the score. However, Hanslum Furtado’s tame effort went straight into the hands of the Areal goalkeeper, sealing the win for Sao Jose de Areal.
Areal will now face the winner of the Seraulim vs Ambelim match in the semifinals on June 20.
Anthony Santany Cardozo, Manager of Santa Cruz Club Hall and Executive Committee Member of the Club, presented the Man of the Match award to Ashney Gomes of Sao Jose de Areal for his decisive performance.
